To me, Pilot is a little bit like the Mafia. You try to escape, but they reel you back in. I have written at length about my love affair with the 912 FA, then reluctantly sold it when I admitted to myself that my grip doesn't suit flex. I bought, sold, bought and sold the … Continue reading Pilot Fermo: the thinking person’s Vanishing Point
pens
The Karas Pens Starliner is ruining my reputation
Blast off I pride myself on my rational thought, my insight, my critical eye and my consistency. The new Reaktor Starliner pens from Karas Pens have made a mockery of that. But let's rewind. The Starliner and Starliner XL are two of the new 'Reaktor' budget pens from Karas Pens, whose Decograph I recently reviewed. … Continue reading The Karas Pens Starliner is ruining my reputation
Kaweco Dia2: my pen palate cleanser
I recently sold my trusty Kaweco AL Sport, leaving me with just one Kaweco: the Art Sport Alabaster. But it transpires that my Art was only destined to be lonely for a short while. The itch to experience the Kaweco Dia2, which I'd resisted since reading Rupert's excellent review, finally overtook me. And I'm glad … Continue reading Kaweco Dia2: my pen palate cleanser
The surprising ‘Skribent’ from Germany
It would be a lie to say I knew nothing about Cleo Skribent before unboxing this pen. Several of my United Inkdom colleagues have written about the brand and a few well-known UK retailers now stock it. But, as with a few other brands that have recently garnered some attention — like Diplomat — Cleo … Continue reading The surprising ‘Skribent’ from Germany
Weighing up the Namisu Ixion
The Ixion is a love-hate pen. I don't mean you either love it or hate it; I mean there are plenty of points on both sides of the argument. Let's start with the positive. Design-wise, it's handsome. The size and proportions are spot-on for most people, similar to a Lamy 2000 when capped. The decagonal … Continue reading Weighing up the Namisu Ixion
Nothing beats hands-on time: visiting Iguanasell, Madrid
This week I had the luck of travelling to Madrid on business. In case you didn't know, Madrid is home to Iguanasell, the improbably named pen/watch/lighter/accessories store from which I bought my Dialog 3 and various inks. I trekked my way down through the beautiful city in 25-degree heat to check out the showroom that … Continue reading Nothing beats hands-on time: visiting Iguanasell, Madrid
New arrivals: Sheaffer Legacy, Montblanc Red Fox, Galen Writing Box and more
It's been a truly wonderful week for new arrivals landing on my desk. Sheaffer Legacy Heritage I'll review this separately in due course, but I wanted to get some of my excitement out before I burst. I've always thought that Sheaffer's inlaid nibs were pretty, but never picked one up. I'm kicking myself now. The … Continue reading New arrivals: Sheaffer Legacy, Montblanc Red Fox, Galen Writing Box and more
European pen-makers you’ve probably never heard of (but should)
I often write about American or Japanese brands, or the big familiar European companies like Pelikan, Lamy and Montblanc. But in Europe we're blessed with many wonderful makers producing innovative and beautiful (and often expensive) pens in small numbers. They don't advertise; word spreads only at pen shows, on FPN, and on Instagram — so … Continue reading European pen-makers you’ve probably never heard of (but should)
The unconventional flagship: Graf von Faber Castell Intuition Platino Ebony
Attentive readers will remember that at the London Writing Equipment Show I was bitten by the Graf bug. I handled an Intuition — but not just any Intuition, an Intuition Platino. And not just any Platino, a Platino wood. Yes, these distinctions matter, because only the wooden editions (ebony, grenadilla, pernambuco) sport the largest bodies … Continue reading The unconventional flagship: Graf von Faber Castell Intuition Platino Ebony
Six nibs to make you go “phwoar”
Nibs are what fountain pens are all about. As far as I'm concerned, you can have the flashiest celluloid in the world, but I want my eye to go straight to the nib: it's the jewel in the crown. The best nibs are not only wonderful performers, but gracefully designed and simply beautiful, too. So … Continue reading Six nibs to make you go “phwoar”
